The Vision
Greenham and Crookham Commons will be a wonderful expanse of high quality heathland 'wilderness', flower rich grasslands, ancient woodlands and wet gullies providing a diverse sanctuary for common and rare wildlife.
Visitors wishing a quiet, rural experience can be enthused by the poignant cold war heritage, traditional breeds of livestock roaming the Common and a chance to see wildlife up close.
The Commons will form part of a rich tapestry of linked habitats as part of a 'Living Landscape' across a wide expanse of the local area.
The plan
This plan has been prepared by the Management Plan Committee of the Greenham and Crookham Commons Commission in conjunction with the Countryside Department of West Berkshire Council (WBC) and, after 06 January 2014, the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).
Members of the Management Plan Committee include representatives of Natural England and WBC/BBOWT, as well as elected Commoners.
Area
The plan covers the areas generally known as Greenham Common and Crookham Common, as formally described on the map referred to in the Greenham and Crookham Commons Act 2002. Both the Act and the map can be accessed via the Appendices page.
Scope
In summary, the plan addresses land management in the interests of heritage and biodiversity conservation, and management for public access and recreation.
Time period
The plan addresses management actions to be carried out during the period 2009 to 2014, in support of objectives to be achieved either within that time frame or, in certain cases, in years to come.
The plan will continue to be amended from time to time as work is carried out and as the ecology, habitats and public use of the commons change over time.
Implementation
The entire plan area is owned by West Berkshire Council. Prior to 6 January 2014, management work was carried out by WBC Counntryside Department staff, contractors employed by WBC, volunteer groups co-ordinated by WBC, individual volunteers and other persons allowed by WBC to use certain resources (e.g. brushwood for hurdles and besoms) commercially.
On 6 January 2014, the day to day management of Greenham and Crookham Commons, along with several other countryside sites across West Berkshire, transferred from WBC to BBOWT by way of a 50 year lease and a management agreement.
An announcement about the management agreement is available in the news section of BBOWT's website. Information about the related functions of WBC's Countryside Department is available on the countryside page of WBC's site.
There is a Countryside Ranger on site, primarily responsible for management of this common but also engaged at other BBOWT sites in the area. Other BBOWT staff, Conservation Trainees and volunteers are also involved in managing the common. Excluding volunteers, this equates to approximately 1.5 full time equivalent posts.
Please make any enquiries concerning this management plan, or any general enquiries about the common, by e-mail to info@bbowt.org.uk.
Please use the navigation links on the left to view the various sections.